Spotlight Breed: Docker 

Welcome to our Spotlight Breed article of the week. We are excited to teach you about a fun and unique dog breed from around the world! Our spotlight breed of the week is the Docker. This mixed-dog breed is a cross between the Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel. Although this breed loves to chase squirrels, play fetch, and go hiking, there is much more they can do! Continue reading to learn more about this amazing dog breed!

First, Dockers go by a few other names, including Doxie Spaniel and Spaniel Doxie. We do not recommend this breed for a novice dog owner. Highly sensitive, independent thinking and assertive dogs like the Docker may be more challenging for a first-time dog parent to manage. The Docker bonds very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or panic when left alone by their owner. Unfortunately, an anxious dog can be very destructive by barking, whining, chewing, and causing other problems.

The friendliness level of the Docker is so-so. They are extremely friendly with their family and love to form close bonds. However, most Dockers will struggle when placed in situations with other dogs, children, or strangers. Feelings of shyness or aggression may occur. Therefore, we recommend that the breed be enrolled in basic obedience and socialization training. These trainings will help their social skills and give them the confidence they need to excel around others.

You shouldn’t have too many issues when training a Docker. Easy-to-train dogs like the Docker are more adept at forming an association between a prompt, an action, and a consequence. The breed may possess a “what’s in it for me?” attitude, so positive reinforcement will be recommended during these times. Another thing you should know about the Docker is that they have a high prey drive! If they see something that they want, they will try and go after it no matter what. This can create many safety issues, so please ensure the dog is always leashed or kept in a securely fenced area. The Docker is always up to play, so ensure that you have many activities planned for their mental and physical stimulation!

Are you looking for a breed that loves to play and loves to love? If so, the Docker may be for you! We will leave you with our favorite quote about the breed: “Docker: the heart of a lion, brain of a fox, body of a sausage, and the bark of a Doberman!”